In August, we said "Good-bye" to the Microsoft Points system as the company transitioned into using real world currency for purchasing downloadable games, music and movies from its Xbox service. While Microsoft Points gift cards are still being sold and accepted, the company may be getting ready to launch a new series of real money gift cards just in time for the Windows 8.1 launch.

In addition, the UK page for Amazon has several listings for Microsoft Gift Cards that the site claims will become available on October 1st. Again, the card themselves are not shown but UK residents can go ahead and pre-order them in £15, £25, and £50 amounts.

Microsoft has not yet confirmed when they plan to launch their replacements for Microsoft Points gift cards. We have emailed the company to see if they can comment on these early pre-order listings.